Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, Czech Republic - Things to Do in Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

Things to Do in Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, Czech Republic - Complete Travel Guide

Brno, Czech Republic's second-largest city, sits in the heart of Moravia with a distinctly different character from Prague. The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul crowns Petrov Hill, its twin Gothic spires serving as the city's most recognizable landmark and offering sweeping views over red-tiled roofs and modern districts below. The cathedral anchors a city that feels refreshingly authentic - you'll find students from Masaryk University filling cozy pubs, innovative restaurants tucked into medieval cellars, and a thriving cultural scene that doesn't cater primarily to tourists. Brno strikes that pleasant balance between historical significance and contemporary energy, with excellent museums, striking functionalist architecture, and the kind of walkable old town where you might genuinely get lost in a good way.

Top Things to Do in Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

The Gothic cathedral dominates Brno's skyline from atop Petrov Hill, its twin spires visible from across the city. The interior houses beautiful frescoes and the tomb of Bishop Bruno, while the crypt contains archaeological finds dating back centuries. The real draw, though, might be climbing the tower for panoramic views over the city and surrounding Moravian countryside.

Booking Tip: Cathedral entry is free, but tower access costs around 50 CZK. Best visited in late afternoon when the light hits the interior beautifully. No advance booking needed - just arrive during opening hours (typically 8:30am-6:30pm).

Špilberk Castle

This 13th-century fortress served as a notorious Habsburg prison before becoming Brno's castle museum. The baroque fortifications house exhibitions on city history and Czech culture, while the castle grounds provide another excellent vantage point over the city. The former casemates where political prisoners were held offer a sobering glimpse into the region's turbulent past.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 130 CZK for adults, with discounts for students. Buy tickets on-site or online in advance during summer months. Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit including the grounds.

Underground Brno

Beneath the city center lies a fascinating network of medieval cellars, tunnels, and storage spaces that once served the old town's breweries and merchants. The guided tours reveal surprisingly well-preserved spaces, including Europe's second-largest ossuary with remains of over 50,000 people. It's genuinely atmospheric and offers a completely different perspective on the city's layered history.

Booking Tip: Tours cost around 150 CZK and must be booked in advance, especially for English-language tours. Dress warmly as underground temperatures stay around 14°C year-round. Book through the official tourism office for reliable scheduling.

Villa Tugendhat

This UNESCO World Heritage functionalist villa represents one of the most important examples of modern architecture in Europe. Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in the 1930s, the house showcases revolutionary use of space, materials, and technology that influenced architectural thinking worldwide. The restored interior maintains the original furniture and innovative features like disappearing windows.

Booking Tip: Advance booking essential - tours fill up weeks ahead, especially weekends. Standard tours cost 350 CZK, extended tours 500 CZK. Book online through the official website as soon as you know your travel dates.

Moravian Karst

Just north of Brno lies this remarkable landscape of limestone caves, underground rivers, and the famous Macocha Abyss - a 138-meter-deep sinkhole. The Punkva Caves tour includes an underground boat ride through illuminated caverns, while hiking trails connect various cave systems and viewpoints. It's an easy day trip that showcases the region's dramatic natural beauty.

Booking Tip: Cave tours cost 140-190 CZK depending on the route. Book online in advance during peak season (May-September). Wear sturdy shoes and bring a light jacket - cave temperatures remain around 8-9°C year-round.

Getting There

Brno sits conveniently on major rail routes between Prague, Vienna, and Bratislava, making train travel the most practical option for most visitors. Direct trains from Prague take about 2.5 hours and run frequently throughout the day, while Vienna is roughly 1.5 hours away. The city's main train station (Brno hlavní nádraží) connects directly to the city center via tram. If flying, you'll likely arrive in Prague and take the train south, though Brno does have a small airport with limited connections to London and other European cities.

Getting Around

Brno's compact city center handles most sights on foot, though the excellent public transport system of trams and buses efficiently connects outer attractions like Villa Tugendhat. A day transport pass costs around 100 CZK and covers all city transport, including the trip to the train station. Trams run frequently and are generally more tourist-friendly than buses since routes are easier to follow. For the Moravian Karst, you can take a bus from the main bus station, though having a car opens up more flexibility for cave-hopping.

Where to Stay

Old Town Center
Petrov Hill Area
Veveří District
Černá Pole
Žabovřesky
Královo Pole

Food & Dining

Brno's food scene pleasantly surprises many visitors with its combination of traditional Moravian cuisine and innovative contemporary restaurants. The city takes its beer seriously - this is Pilsner Urquell territory - and you'll find excellent local brews in traditional pubs like Pegas or U Richarda. For food, seek out svíčková (beef in cream sauce) or try Moravian specialties like olomoucké tvarůžky cheese. The restaurant scene has evolved considerably, with places like Borgo Agnese offering refined takes on regional ingredients. Students keep prices reasonable, and you'll eat well without the tourist premiums common in Prague.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Brno

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La Famiglia Brno

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la cucina nera

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L’Osteria Bochnerův palác

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Bistro Di Napoli

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When to Visit

May through September offers the most pleasant weather for walking around the city and climbing cathedral towers, with long daylight hours and comfortable temperatures. That said, Brno works well as a year-round destination since many key attractions are indoors or underground. Winter actually has its charms - Christmas markets around the cathedral, cozy pub culture, and fewer crowds at major sights. Spring and fall provide good compromise weather with moderate crowds, though you might catch some rain. If you're planning to combine your visit with the Moravian Karst, late spring through early fall definitely provides better hiking conditions.

Insider Tips

The cathedral bells chime at 11am instead of noon - a tradition dating back to the Thirty Years' War when the bell-ringer's early chiming supposedly saved the city from Swedish forces.
Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service (typically 2:30-5:30pm), so plan your meal times accordingly or seek out cafes and pubs that serve food continuously.
The tourist information center in the old town hall offers free city maps and can help arrange accommodation - their local knowledge often beats online booking sites for finding authentic guesthouses.

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